Coming Soon: Metita Is Chef Michael Meredith's New Restaurant Focusing on Pasifika Cuisine

Top Auckland chef Michael Meredith is adding another string to his restaurant bow, with the opening of Metita at Auckland CBD's SkyCity on Friday, October 27. Meredith has been at the helm of many Auckland institutions throughout the years, with successful ventures like Mr Morris and self-titled Merediths.

Metita is set to join this legendary lineup, with Meredith drawing inspiration from his early years in Samoa to create the Pacific-focused menu. Meredith's family and culture are not just represented by the food, but in the name itself, with Meredith naming the restaurant after his mother. "I want it to be a destination she would have been proud of," he says.

Metita has taken over the site previously held by Gusto at the Grand, in the heart of SkyCity, alongside dining greats like Depot and Cassia. SkyCity's Chief Operational Officer Callum Mallett said there was "a real excitement" about the upcoming opening. "[Meredith's] passion for this project is visible in every element of the design. He's been hands-on from the start to ensure this restaurant honours his culture," Mallett says.

The menu has been shared ahead of the opening so diners can have a sneak peek at all that Metita has to offer. Snacks include lamb ribs with coconut and vinegar, green-lipped mussels with turmeric and ginger, and smoked eel with spiced banana.

There are currently 16 dishes to choose from on the main menu, including fe'e (octopus), fried pork hock, kingfish, veal tongue and fire-roasted tua tua. To finish, diners can try lole polo, a Samoan coconut candy, or panipopo, a sweet coconut bun. As well as the extensive menu, Metita boasts a large drinks list, with Metita's 'Me-tini's' and cocktails with a South Pacific twist — think a chilli and coconut margarita or a coconut old fashioned. Wines from all over New Zealand will also be on offer.

Meredith encourages his diners to try dishes that "may sit outside their comfort zone". He continues: "This menu is everything I love about the Pacific, the food I grew up eating, created to share with friends and family. My hope is that this menu will make Pasifika food more accessible."

Metita can be found at 90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD. The restaurant is open to the public from Friday, October 27, and will be open daily from 5.30pm-9.30pm for dinner, and 11.30am-3pm for lunch, Sundays only. Bookings can be made via the SkyCity website.